Often I say to people, that one of the best things we can do for dogs is to Hold the Space for them – especially if they’ve just been adopted into a new home, or just been through a trauma of some kind.
What I mean by this is that, it is up to us to give these animals a safe environment for them to be themselves again, for them to:
- try different things
- do things wrong
- explore
- be curious
- be silly
- etc
As a person that has the opportunity to see animals when they’re separated from their owners and homes, I watch as so many are guarded at first. Seemingly waiting to see what kind of place they’re staying in. As a routine unfolds, and the personalities of the people is learned, the dogs relax and begin to act more like themselves.
Each time an animal comes to stay with me – especially if it’s their first time, I have to be very cognizant about ‘holding the space’ for them. Allowing them to explore, watch, and digest at their own pace. But I also have to hold the space for my own dogs – rescues in their own right. The trauma’s my dogs experienced the first year of their lives left deep scars. As the person that has taken on their care, it’s my responsibility to respect their needs, which sometimes includes needing more space than typical dogs.
I also believe one of the best things we can do for any dog is to be as predictable as possible. As humans we’re not always predictable. I’m not sure I would have noticed this if I didn’t work to see the world through a dogs’ perspective, but there it is. Predictability – whether that’s as simple as a daily routine or as complex as managing our emotions when tragedy strikes, is key to helping dogs relax and allow them to be comfortable enough to be themselves.
Remember, though these dogs sometimes take a bit more time and attention, the rewards are worth it. The dogs that need the space held for them the most, are the ones that teach us so much and make us better people!
